BOXING: Jamie Conlan focused for Belfast showdown

The Belfast super-flyweight has quietly gone about his work and will fight in a final eliminator for the WBO World title next year, while his brother Michael has got all the attention after turning professional with huge American outfit Top Rank after a very successful amateur career.

Jamie on the other hand has moved himself into a position to fight for the World title after clocking up 17 wins out of 17.

On Saturday night he will face David Koos in what should be an easy win - but he is taking nothing for granted.

“This game is like snakes and ladders. One defeat or poor performance and you could end up at the very bottom again.

“I know I have to win at the weekend and that is my aim. The we will move on and hopefully get a shot at the WBO World title,” he added.

Conlan was supposed to defend his Commonwealth title tomorrow night but a visa problem for his African opponent meant the fight was called off.

“When they rang and told me I was disgusted.

“I just wanted to impress and you want to be in big fights.

“But there is a bigger fight beyond this and I have got to focus on getting the job done. I cannot afford to take my eye off the ball,” he added.

Also on Saturday night Marco McCullough faces Luis Lugo for the vacant WBO Inter-Continental featherweight title.

It is a must win fight for McCullough as he looks to get himself back among the mix.

Belfast fighters Paddy Barnes, Steven Ward and James Tennyson will also feature, while Tyrone McKenna takes on Sean Creagh in a title fight.

Barnes and Ward will be making their professional debuts after medal filled amateur careers.

Philip Sutcliffe Jnr, Con Sheehan, Sean Turner, Stephen Ormond, Declan Geraghty and Gary Sweeney will also feature.